Uses
Lanthanum Hydroxide, also called Lanthanum Hydrate, is mainly applied in specialty glass, water treatment and catalyst. Various compounds of lanthanum and other rare-earth elements (Oxides, Chlorides, etc.) are components of various catalysis, such as petroleum cracking catalysts. Small amounts of Lanthanum added to steel improves its malleability, resistance to impact, and ductility, whereas addition of Lanthanum to Molybdenum decreases its hardness and sensitivity to temperature variations. Small amounts of Lanthanum are present in many pool products to remove the Phosphates that feed algae.
Chemical Properties
white, amorphous precipitate; absorbs CO2 [MER06]
Physical properties
White amorphous solid; decomposes on heating; insoluble in water.
Uses
Lanthanum(III) hydroxide is used in three way catalyst, glass, ceramic and electronic industry.
Uses
Lanthanum hydroxide is used to prepare other lanthanum salts.
Preparation
Lanthanum hydroxide is precipitated by adding excess of caustic soda, caustic potash or ammonia to an aqueous solution of a La
3+ salt, such as LaCl
3, La(NO
3)
3 or La(SO
4)
3:
La
3+ + 3OHˉ → La(OH)
3.
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
